Black Widow & Hawkeye #3 – Poisoning of the Mind

Creative Team – Stephanie Phillips(writer). Paolo Villanelli(artist). Mattia Iacono(color artist). Joe Sabino(letterer). Stephen Segovia, Jesus Aburtov(cover artists). Ben Harvey, Philip Tan, Rachelle Rosenberg(variant cover artists).

Published By Marvel Entertainment

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When I first started on the Black Widow & Hawkeye comic run, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Of course, there would be action and great fight sequences involving the two best friends. But what I didn’t expect to see was great instances of vulnerability and emotion. As stated in my last review of Black Widow & Hawkeye, a joint review with Nerd Initiative Comics EIC(which you can read HERE!), this comic run is a fan favorite of the Nerd Initiative Bullpen. So I couldn’t wait to dive into the third issue.

Diving in

In the third installment of Black Widow & Hawkeye, we start with a flashback of Clint Barton, AKA Hawkeye, attempting to save his best friend from a particularly dangerous situation. After a fellow hero tries to talk Clint out of it, saying it’s none of their business, Clint shows how loyal he is to Natasha Romanoff, or as she goes by, Black Widow.

Cut to present time when Clint is suffering from the side effects of a poison dart sent from the hands of villain Damon Dran. Natasha does what all friends do that have access to a symbiote would do and uses the symbiote to save Clint from the poison. Granted, it’s only a small portion of the symbiote that’s used on Clint, but the effects are still hard to ignore. With his inner dialogue voiced by the symbiote used to antagonize Clint, it’s clear to see Clint is consumed with his own emotions.

While seeing Clint having his most vulnerable thoughts used against him, a familiar villain appears at the absolute worst time. Clint is ready to make the ultimate trade, in hopes to save his best friend’s life. It’s another example of no matter what’s happening, the loyalty these two have for each other runs deep.

The Writing

Stephanie Phillips just doesn’t miss. At this point, I’d follow Stephanie into battle after reading her comics. The vulnerability from Hawkeye shown throughout the comic feels so authentic to the character. Black Widow’s frantic need to help her best friend when he’s in trouble shines so brightly throughout her dialogue. The third installment does an excellent job with giving the continuity of the story while serving more content that adds to the overall plot. The writing is an easy 10 out of 10.

The Art

The artwork of Black Widow & Hawkeye #3 is phenomenal to say the least. The contrast of the colors of Clint’s purple suit or Natasha’s blue suit in the flashbacks works so well with the darker backgrounds. Every action scene is so beautifully crafted to make you feel like you’re watching scenes of a movie. The artists of this comic book knocked it out of the park making them very deserving of a 10 out 10.

Final Thoughts

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a hundred times. One of the best things Marvel has given us is the friendship between Natasha and Clint. The loyalty and love between these two runs so deep and you can see it so clearly in Black Widow & Hawkeye #3. Another excellent comic for this run!

I give this a 10 out of 10

Hey, it’s Megan! If you liked my review, be sure to check out my other reviews! Let me know what you think of Black Widow & Hawkeye comics, or tell me what comics you’d recommend me trying out! Find me on my socials, and check out my Marvel podcast, Vigilante Vibes, by clicking here!